“CARGO STOWAWAYS”

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 April 1932, Page 4

“CARGO STOWAWAYS”

MEN FROM AUSTRALIA

LONDON, March 23.

The Overseas Settlement Department has issued a statement declaring that reports of “cargo stowaways” on Australian vessels are exaggerated. On the contrary, it is stated in the report, the number of stowaway migrants from Australia is negligible. The departmental statement follows the prosecution of five men who were charged with stowing away on the Coolistan. A solicitor said that two other ships were due with “cargo stowaways.” “It is most distressing when men have to go to such lengths,” he said, “to reach their home. Thousands are living in camps and hovels, and absolutely starving. One made 20 attempts to stow away.” The accused, who were described as being of good character, were remanded. The Overseas Settlement Department states that the Australian Government is doing everything possible to relieve distress, and is not differentiating between British and Australians. The British Government's representative in New South Wales had founded a welfare centre, and was affording great assistance.

An official of the Commonwealth Dominion Line, whose steamer Port Bowen had two stowaways aboard, says that, although stowaways are increasing in numbers, the position is not startling. “We often find a couple of stowaways,” he said, “as they usually work in pairs.”

The Shaw, Savill Company states that there is no increase in stowaways, as prosecutions are keeping the numbers down.